Locomotive dynamic braking grid package configuration

Abstract

In a locomotive having a dynamic braking capability, a method for maintaining an airflow path to a resistive grid disposed within a resistive grid enclosure having an enclosure inlet and an enclosure outlet is provided, wherein the method includes generating an inlet airflow into the enclosure inlet, creating a heated inlet airflow by associating the inlet airflow with the resistive grid such that the inlet airflow absorbs heat generated by the resistive grid, directing the heated inlet airflow toward the enclosure outlet to generate a heated outlet airflow, redirecting at least a portion of the heated outlet airflow to be thermally associated with a structural portion of the enclosure inlet such that the temperature of the structural portion of the enclosure inlet is increased above a predetermined temperature to reduce blockage of the enclosure inlet by snow and recirculating the redirected heated outlet airflow with ambient air being drawn into the resistive grid enclosure.

1. In a locomotive having a dynamic braking capability, a method for maintaining an airflow path to a resistive grid disposed within a resistive grid enclosure having an enclosure inlet and an enclosure outlet, comprising:
 generating an inlet airflow into the enclosure inlet; 
 creating a heated inlet airflow by associating said inlet airflow with the resistive grid such that said inlet airflow absorbs heat generated by the resistive grid; 
 directing said heated inlet airflow toward the enclosure outlet to generate a heated outlet airflow; 
 redirecting at least a portion of said heated outlet airflow to be thermally associated with a structural portion of the enclosure inlet such that the temperature of said structural portion of the enclosure inlet is increased above a predetermined temperature to reduce blockage of the enclosure inlet by snow; and 
 recirculating said redirected heated outlet airflow with ambient air being drawn into the resistive grid enclosure. 
 
   
   
     2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said generating includes operating at least one cooling device to draw outside ambient air into the resistive grid enclosure, wherein said at least one cooling device is a cooling fan. 
   
   
     3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said creating includes directing said inlet airflow toward the resistive grid such that said inlet airflow thermally interacts with at least a portion of the resistive grid. 
   
   
     4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said redirecting includes controllably redirecting at least a portion of said heated outlet airflow responsive to said predetermined temperature. 
   
   
     5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said redirecting includes controllably redirecting at least a portion of said heated outlet airflow via configurable louvers to achieve a redirected airflow having a predetermined volume. 
   
   
     6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said redirecting includes redirecting said heated outlet airflow to be thermally associated with said structural portion of the enclosure inlet, wherein said structural portion includes at least one of an adjacent structure disposed adjacent the enclosure inlet and a defining structure which defines the enclosure inlet.